Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cranston, RI
Considering a move to Cranston, RI? With a population of 82,934, Cranston offers affordable housing (median home price of $341,000) and moderate rents, making it attractive for families and professionals alike. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (148 per 100K), short average commutes (24.5 minutes), and access to reputable schools and healthcare. With 56% sunny days, a welcoming community, and solid educational attainment, Cranston is a well-rounded choice for your next home.
Demographics - Cranston, RI
Demographics - Cranston, RI
Cranston is a mid-sized city of nearly 83,000 residents with a median age of 41, offering a balanced mix of age groups and a slight majority female population. Its community is predominantly White (74%), with notable Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city’s moderate population density fosters a neighborhood feel while supporting diverse cultural influences.
Population:
82,934
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.0%
Black:
6.2%
Asian:
5.2%
Others:
14.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cranston, RI?
The cost of living in Cranston is slightly above the national average, with a median home value around $341,000 and typical rents near $1,400 per month. Utilities and daily expenses are comparable to other Northeast cities, while state income taxes range from 3.75% to 5.99%. This balance makes Cranston appealing for those seeking affordability within Rhode Island’s vibrant metro area.
Median House Value:
$341,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
3.75%
|
High:
5.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.6
Grocery:
105.2
Housing:
111.4
Utilities:
108.9
Transportation:
107.5
Health Care:
105.7
Miscellaneous:
103.8
Crime
Is Cranston, RI a safe place to live?
Cranston offers a relatively safe living environment, with a violent crime rate of 148 per 100,000 residents and property crime risks lower than many urban areas. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 675, giving residents peace of mind. This low crime index makes Cranston a desirable choice for families and individuals looking for security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
148
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,498
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 675
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Cranston, RI year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with comfortable summers reaching up to 83°F and chilly winters averaging lows in the low 20s. Cranston sees about 56% sunny days annually and receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall per year, providing a pleasant balance for outdoor activities. The variety in weather supports a wide range of seasonal recreation.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Cranston’s neighborhoods feature a median household income around $80,000 and a modest poverty rate of 8.4%, reflecting a stable local economy. Most residents are well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma and about a third earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. With an average commute of 24.5 minutes and low unemployment, the city offers convenience and economic opportunity.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$80,000
Family Income:
$98,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,800
Income Male:
$50,900
Income Female:
$41,900
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
14.0%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
3.4%
Commute Time:
24.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.6%
Education
How are the schools in Cranston, RI?
Cranston offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-rated public schools like Cranston High School West, as well as private and parochial options. The city is also close to higher education institutions such as the Community College of Rhode Island and Providence College, supporting lifelong learning. Families benefit from strong student-teacher ratios and a community focus on academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Cranston High School West
Street:
80 Metropolitan Ave
Phone:
401-270-8049
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Park View Middle School
Street:
25 Park View Blvd
Phone:
401-270-8090
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary School
Street:
85 Chester Ave
Phone:
401-944-4107
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)
City:
Warwick
State:
RI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
13,800
Name:
Providence College
City:
Providence
State:
RI
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Cranston residents benefit from access to major hospitals like Rhode Island Hospital and Kent Hospital, both offering full emergency services within a short drive. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 95% health insurance coverage, local healthcare is accessible and reliable. The area’s strong healthcare infrastructure ensures peace of mind for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Rhode Island Hospital
Address:
593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone:
(401) 444-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kent Hospital
Address:
455 Toll Gate Rd, Warwick, RI 02886
Phone:
(401) 737-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cranston, RI?
Cranston’s housing market features a median home price of $341,000 and an average rent of $1,400 for a two-bedroom unit, with about two-thirds of residents owning their homes. The area has a low foreclosure rate and a steady appreciation rate of 6.1% annually. This stability and affordability make Cranston an attractive option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$341,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles serves Cranston at its central office on New London Avenue, providing comprehensive licensing and vehicle registration services. Residents can access in-person assistance or use online resources for convenience. The DMV’s nearby location ensures easy handling of driving and vehicle needs.
State:
Rhode Island
Department:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone:
1-401-462-4368
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.